by Ruth Wielockx ; illustrated by Ruth Wielockx ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 2018
This gentle, simple tale features only treats, making it just right for very little trick-or-treaters.
Twins enjoy some Halloween fun.
Luke and Lottie are excited for trick-or-treating; they’ve already decided on costumes: Lottie will be a witch, and Luke, a ghost. But the duo are still young enough to be a bit fearful of Halloween’s scarier side: A spider decoration made of yarn fools them both. After their mother reassures them, she invites them to help her assemble some edible treats, and then they make jack-o’-lanterns with their dad. By then, it’s time to head out. Their dad (dressed as a vampire) accompanies them for an evening of trick-or-treating. The night ends when they arrive back at home to tell their mother all about it. Wielockx’s characters all have adorable round heads and snub noses, and none of the costumes or sights are scary. The family all has pale skin and brown hair. Amid the costumed trick-or-treaters, two other people appear to have brown skin; the rest are pale.
This gentle, simple tale features only treats, making it just right for very little trick-or-treaters. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-60537-411-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Clavis
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2018
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by Ruth Wielockx ; illustrated by Ruth Wielockx
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by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
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by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson
by Candice Ransom ; illustrated by Erika Meza ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 25, 2015
A warm and welcome story for emerging readers and their families.
Pumpkins star in this family-centered early reader.
Sketched in rhyming, easy-to-read couplets, this familiar autumn setting is made even warmer by the sweet family that is making a trip to the pumpkin farm. “Sunny day. Pack a lunch. / In the treetops squirrels munch.” So begins the story of a black mother and father and their young son and daughter. They find their special pumpkins and return home for carving, just in time for trick-or-treating. Mother and father are shown walking hand in hand or gently guiding their youngsters, who are very excited to pick out the perfect gourd. Read aloud, the predictable rhyme scans well, making this a book for emerging readers to read over and over, gaining confidence each time. The full-color illustrations, full of oranges and yellows, match the words, providing important visual cues. Little ones will laugh when the younger brother initially finds a huge pumpkin and rolls it over the hill like a bowling ball. “Thump! Thump! Thump! Then… / Uh-oh!” Eventually, he finds one just the right size for carving. Children of color are remarkably absent in the easy-reader stacks, so it’s an especially welcome treat to see them in this rural setting. Preschool and kindergarten teachers will want to add this to their collections.
A warm and welcome story for emerging readers and their families. (Early reader. 3-6)Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-553-51341-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: April 28, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2015
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by Candice Ransom ; illustrated by Nan Lawson
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by Candice Ransom ; illustrated by Christine Grove
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